An epic journey from Sri Lanka's lush interior to South India's idyllic coastline

Behind the beautiful coastline of Sri Lanka lies a lush interior of thick jungle and rushing rivers. Discover ancient Buddhist temples, beautiful spice gardens and an array of wildlife. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock and visit the royal city of Kandy, famous for a temple which houses the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha. From Sri Lanka we fly to India's tropical south and visit the two southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, we explore the state's most vibrant and colourful city, Madurai, and marvel at the intricately carved Sri Meenakshi Temple. We then cross into Kerala, a land of fertile forests, spice and tea plantations and sweeping grasslands. Explore the colonial hill station of Munnar and enjoy a moderate trek through the surrounding hills and tea estates. We end our epic journey cruising the tranquil backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat and relaxing on a tropical beach.

Responsible Travel

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Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

The group flight arrives at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport in the afternoon and we transfer to our hotel at Wattala on the coast (approx. 30 minutes). The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel and recover from the flight. Those not flying with the group will meet us at the hotel.Comfortable Hotel

Day 3

We transfer to Anuradhapura with a breathtaking view of the lagoon and windmills. To break the journey, we visit the historic Munneswaram Temple close to Chilaw. The Munneswaram Temple is an important regional Hindu Temple complex in Sri Lanka which has been in existence since at least 1000 CE. Although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams in the region, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The complex is a collection of five temples, including a Buddhist. The central Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva (Siva) is the most prestigious and largest. The other temples are dedicated to Gods Ganesha, Ayyanayake and Kali. The complex was destroyed twice by the Portuguese colonial officers, who handed over the properties to the Jesuits. Although the Jesuits built a Catholic chapel over the temple foundation, locals reconstructed the temple both times. Our hotel is located on the bank of an ancient reservoir and has a swimming pool.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 4

Today we start in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Now picturesque ruins, it was once a major centre of Sri Lankan civilisation. There is a lot to see including huge bell-shaped stupas, the sacred Bodhi tree, eight major palaces, monasteries and monuments. Later in the day we travel the short distance to the mountain peak of Mihintale, believed to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 5

After breakfast we drive to Sigiriya. This impressive 5th century rock fortress rises 180m from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside giving far-reaching views. Used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, we ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit of the rock are remains of the King's Summer Palace from where there are breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The descent is much easier and you can cool off in the hotel pool at dusk.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 6

This morning we have a short drive to Giritale, where we cycle at a leisurely pace through a series of small villages and lakes (if you don't want to cycle you can follow the group in the support vehicle). We should see plenty of bird life including egrets, Brahmany kites, kingfishers, bulbuls. Stopping for lunch in a traditional village will break up the journey. In the afternoon we have a game drive in Minneriya National Park to see elephants in their natural habitat. Depending on the movements of the elephants in the region at the time of visit, the national park game drive may be shifted to the Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park, which are also located nearby. We then return to our hotel in Sigiriya.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 7

Today we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. On the way we stop at Dambulla, famous for its cave temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive sights. There are colourful, well-preserved paintings and statues of the Buddha inside, some of which date back as far as the 1st century BC. We also stop at a spice garden near Matale, where you can see various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on massage oils, spices and Ayurvedic medicines. Kandy is located on a small lake and we spend time in and around the town. Our 4-star hotel overlooks the town and incorporates elements of Kandyan tradition in its interior. There is a swimming pool and a spa should you wish to take a refreshing dip or relax.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 8

Today we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. The Tooth of Buddha which was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are literally hundreds of worshippers who visit the temple each day and in July/August the most spectacular ceremony takes place. We drive to a beautiful viewpoint for a great view of Kandy and its environs which are overlooked by a huge Buddha. We'll also visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction. In the evening we may have the chance to attend a performance of Kandian Dancing and fire walking (optional, payable locally).Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 9

Today we catch a train to Nuwara Eliya and explore this beautiful town. Nuwara Eliya was a popular hill station during the British era and is situated in the cool highland air at 1890m. Known locally as 'Little England' it is dotted with tea plantations, British style houses, parks and features a golf club and a racecourse. In the afternoon we visit a tea factory and learn how a cup of tea is produced. Our hotel this evening is the former country house which was once a popular holiday spot with the British rulers. High tea is still served on the lawn, along with a stiff brandy at night.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 10

We have an early start this morning and take a 30km drive south to Horton Plains, a large plateau over 2000m high, overlooked by the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka. The scenery is beautiful and the best way to explore is on foot. We take a guided walk through the rolling grasslands, seeing forest, unusual wildlife, such as the sambur and Purple Faced monkey and visit 'World's End', one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka where the ground drops 1050m to the plains. We then have a scenic drive back to Colombo, stopping for a cup of tea and a snack when we reach Devon Falls. As we drive towards Kithulgala, we also enjoy the beautiful cascading St. Clair waterfall, the location where the award-winning film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' was filmed. Our hotel in Colombo is located by Kinross Beach, and is equipped with an infinity pool, fitness centre, spa, steam room, sauna and hot tub.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 11

We say goodbye to Sri Lanka today and transfer to Colombo airport to catch a flight to the colourful temple town of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, South India. We arrive at our hotel in the afternoon. There is a rooftop swimming pool and bar should you wish to take advantage of it. This evening we have a special dinner with a cooking demonstration.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Day 12

This morning there is the opportunity to go on an early heritage walk through Madurai, allowing us to observe everyday life; milking cows, women doing rangoli in front of their houses, breakfast being prepared at the roadside food stalls, and fruit and vegetable markets in full action. Madurai is one of Tamil Nadu's most vital centres and the temple and bazaar are at the heart of this vibrant and colourful city. The most famous sight is the Sri Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Vijaynagar temple architecture. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it is at the heart of the city and the life of the town revolves around it. It is a hive of activity and the scene of an almost continuous religious festival. The temple's nine towering gopurams stand out with their colourful stucco images of gods, goddesses and animals. There are about 4,000 granite sculptures on the lower levels and numerous pillared temple halls surrounding the Golden Lotus Tank. The main temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, the 'fish-eyed goddess' and the consort of Shiva. One of the spectacular parts of the complex is the 16th century Thousand Pillared Hall with exquisitely carved columns and its sculptured ceiling, which depicts a wheel showing the 60 Tamil years. There is also time to visit the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, which was built in 1636 in Indo-Mughal style by the Nayak dynasty. The bazaars are colourful and lively and Madurai is a great place to take a cycle rickshaw ride.Comfortable Hotel

Please note, due to a fire that took place inside Meenakshi temple in February 2018, the temple authority has closed off the Thousand Pillared Hall to tourists until further notice (potentially until August 2018). Other parts of the temple remain open for the public.

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 13

After breakfast we drive to Munnar, set amongst Kerala's highest mountains. Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at approx. 1600m above sea level. It was once a summer resort of the British Government in South India. The town is situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams (Mudrapauzha, Naliathanii and Kundala) and is surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates. Anamudi (2695m), the highest peak in South India dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walker's paradise.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 14

After an early breakfast we take a short drive through old Munnar and travel down to Nagarmudi, a tiny village, where we start our trek accompanied by a local guide. The walk begins with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into Seven Malai hills. Just before reaching the top we enjoy walking through cardamom and coffee plantations. Our hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views over Chittrapuram Dam, Changulam Lake, Annamudi Peak, Munnar and other villages. In the afternoon there is an optional visit to a tea museum.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 15

After breakfast we drive towards the coastal plain to Cochin (Kochi). The drive is approximately 160km and should take approximately 5-6 hours. Founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and set on the Malabar Coast, Cochin is one of South India's most interesting towns and is believed to have been the first European settlement in India. Rich in history despite recent growth, it retains a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Narrow spits of land and coconut covered islands just out into the wide, almost enclosed bay, lined with the famous Chinese fishing nets. Our heritage hotel is located close to Mattancherry Palace.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 16

Today we do a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin (Kochi) and Mattancherry, where most of the historic buildings are located in amongst the narrow streets. The Portuguese Vasco de Gama landed here in 1498 and began trading with the Raja of Cochin. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the mid 1500's and then was largely rebuilt by its second occupants, the Dutch. Built in traditional Kerala style the wooden architecture and wall paintings of scenes from the Ramayana are still well-preserved. We also visit the Jewish synagogue dating from the late 1500's. Jewish settlers first arrived in Cochin in 587BC and the synagogue still stands in Fort Cochin. Although there are only now about half a dozen Jewish families, the synagogue is a real gem and the individual hand painted 18th century blue ceramic Cantonese floor tiles are evidence of past trading with China. We end the tour with a visit to St Francis church, where Vasco de Gama died in 1524 and the building reflects the new European influence in the area. The Santa Cruz Cathedral is close by and was originally used as a warehouse by the British. Early in the evening we have a sunset cruise around Fort Kochi and visit the Chinese fishing nets that line the entrance to the harbour, which were introduced by the Chinese in the late 14th century.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 17

After breakfast we drive to Alleppey and board our houseboat in the late morning to begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat cruise is one of the highlights of the trip - these enchanting boats, built of Anjili wood and bamboo, were the traditional method of transport of goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. The network of rivers, streams, lagoons and canals occupies the alluvial plain between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean. As our boat meanders through areas of lush tropical vegetation we have the opportunity to view not only the prolific bird life but also gain a different perspective of village life. The cruise takes us along shallow, palm?fringed canals where coconut fibre, copia (coconut meat) and cashews are loaded on to dugouts. In the evening the boat is anchored in the backwaters and we can watch the sunset over the rice paddies. All the houseboats are comfortably equipped and have 2-5 twin bedded rooms with a bathroom. There is a cook, driver and assistants for each boat and the food served is traditional Keralan fare using local produce. No trip to Kerala would be complete without the wonderful experience of the backwaters aboard these traditional Keralite vessels.Houseboat

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 18

After breakfast we leave our houseboat in Alleppey and start the drive along the scenic Malabar Coast to the beachside town of Kovalam (approx.4/5 hrs). Once a relaxing hideaway on the old hippie trail this beachside town has now been discovered, but the influx of tourism has not diminished this beautiful setting. The afternoon is free for you to take advantage of the hotel's beachfront location or explore.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 19

A free day to unwind on the idyllic soft sandy beach, or visit the many shops for some last minute souvenirs. This is a great chance to enjoy the fresh seafood in the many small beach restaurants. Try some of the Tandoori dishes - the clay ovens give a more authentic taste to breads and curries.Comfortable Hotel

If your trip visits Ladakh, in the very north of India, or Sikkim in the northeast, do not mention this on your Indian visa application. This can sometimes slow down or even cause the embassy to reject your visa.

When you reach immigration, you are required to pick up an immigration form. If you have an e-visa, ensure you stand in the correct queue - please follow the signs to the e-visa booth (in Delhi this is at the back of the immigration hall). You will need to fill out an additional form at the booth - please make sure that you have the details of your start hotel ready (these details can be found on your Final Joining Instructions).

Sri Lanka

A visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required if you are British and for most other nationalities. If you do not hold a British passport, please check the visa requirements with your local Sri Lankan Embassy or the ETA website www.eta.gov.lk. Passengers should also be aware of local laws and customs in Sri Lanka (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/local-laws-and-customs). The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is an offence; please note that people have been refused entry to Sri Lanka because of visible tattoos of Buddha.

Vaccinations

India

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some of our India trips spend time at altitude. In regions over approx. 2000m, there is low to no risk of mosquito-borne diseases. For trips going to altitudes of over 3000m there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please see the TRIP NOTES for further information.

Sri Lanka

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.

Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.

The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners included.

Sri Lanka: all breakfasts and 1 lunch included. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite, or perhaps because of, these influences Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to simply as ‘Rice and Curry’; this is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, ‘sambols,’ and a handful of tiny poppadum’s – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. The variety is constant and this along with the abundance of fresh seafood and fish ensures the cuisine is a constant highlight of the trip. We suggest allowing about £15-£17 (approx. US$20 - US$23) per day for all other meals.

India: all breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners included. You should allow at least £15 (approx. US$20) per day for lunch and dinner. You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most of the towns there is a good choice of restaurants and a choice between Indian and Western style food. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to travel to. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. Please note that hotels (apart from 5-star hotels) and bars in Kerala are no longer allowed to sell alcohol, it is still possible to buy alcohol in government shops. Mineral water is provided in 20ltr containers, so please bring a water bottle with you to refill. Please note that service in restaurants can be quite slow.

Weather

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct wet seasons or monsoons. The SW monsoon brings rain to that area of the island between May and August. The NE monsoon takes place from October to January and only really affects the north and east coastal regions. Generally, you should expect rain at some time but with plenty of sunshine. On the plains, day and night time temperatures are warm to hot with Colombo having an average daytime temperature of 30ºC.

India: the most important feature of the Indian climate is the 'wet season' or monsoon. The main monsoon strikes the coast of Kerala in late May and sweeps its way northward over the next month or so. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to March. Days will be hot and the nights warm, the average range of maximum daytime temperatures being between 21ºC - 30ºC and from 6ºC - 20ºC at night. We ask you to note that frequent rainstorms can be expected throughout the tour on November departures. However, the storms are usually of quite short duration and the sun normally comes out fairly quickly afterwards. Please note that swimming in the sea at Kovalam is not always possible, depending on recent weather conditions, however the hotel we use in Kovalam will always have a pool. The temperatures drop as we go higher into the hills.

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely). Although this is not a demanding tour, it is a busy itinerary with lots to see. Traffic and road conditions can significantly increase the driving time so you should be prepared for some long days and some early starts. The times stated in the trip notes are actual driving times and do not include photo, tea, comfort or lunch breaks. Temperatures can vary between the tropical heat of the coast to the cooler climate of the mountains. The day trek in Munnar requires a good level of fitness, as the trail can be steep in places.

Please note that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India and very occasionally this may mean that work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI's schedule is never published so it is not possible to forewarn our clients of when work will be taking place.

Diwali Festival

Some departures will be in India during the festival of Diwali. This is a great festival to witness and some very minor itinerary alterations may be made locally in order to make the most of this occasion. During Diwali, the festival of lights, people typically light up their houses, shops and streets, and celebrate on the streets with fireworks.

Please note: the India e-visa cannot be used on this trip due to flying into Madurai.

Accommodation

17 nights hotels and 1 night houseboat

You will spend 17 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night on a traditional Keralan houseboat. Hotels on this trip are generally of a very good standard, most with swimming pools and good facilities. Houseboats are comfortable and all cabins have toilet facilities. The houseboat also benefits from a deck and dining area. The number of rooms per boat will vary depending on group size and availability.

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An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros

Cons

May be the most direct route

Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.

As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.

You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros

Cons

Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.

Through fare tickets can be expensive.

On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.

Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros

Cons

You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.

You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.

On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or a package holiday, the financial protection referred to above does not apply. Our ATOL number is 2582 and our ABTA number is Y0751.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk